THE A59 has reopened around the A1 junction near Allerton Park after an earlier accident.

The road was blocked after a collision near Whixley at about 4.15pm today.

Queueing traffic had been reported in both directions between the A1 junction and Green Hammerton.

Three people were injured in the crash, which was was reported to police at 4.15pm. The road was closed shortly after in both directions.

Police say the crash was outside Gelsthorpe Farm and involved a Fiat and a Volkswagen. One person was left trapped in a vehicle, and fire crews had to cut him free.

Three ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and a clinical supervisor were all sent to the scene and treated three patients.

Two were taken to Harrogate District Hospital and a third to York Hospital, but none are thought to have life threatening injuries, an ambulance service spokesman said.

A second accident was reported on the A1 northbound near the junction, but police have said the road is now running as usual.